Abstract This paper analyzes and examines Thomas Paine's call for revolution in his treatise, "Common Sense". The author discusses Paine's philosophy regarding the origin and design of government in general; monarchy and hereditary succession; as well as the present state of American politics.
From the Paper "The commitment to liberty that dominated America's key revolutionary thinkers like Thomas Paine was extended and re-affirmed by the writers of the Jacksonian era. Whereas America's key revolutionary thinkers defined liberty in terms of individual freedom, the writers of the Jacksonian era extended this definition of liberty to include economic equality and equal protection under the laws. A belief in individual freedom and limited government link the revolutionary thinkers with the writers of the Jacksonian era, i.e., these individuals argued that government should derive its power from the consent of the people and that government should be protecting individuals from harm. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the threats to liberty from government and the nature of individuals, history has proven that a strong commitment to liberty by the people and the wise institutional design of government may facilitate the development and protection of liberty."
Abstract This essay examines "The Legend of the Grand Inquisitor," the parable that Ivan relates to Alyosha in Dostoyevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov." The essay compares four points of view in relation to the parable: the character of the Grand Inquisitor, the character of Christ (as portrayed in the parable), Dostoyevsky himself, and the philosophy of Nietzsche. The essay checks the parable against biblical Christianity and the ("God is dead") philosophy of Nietzsche in order to assess Dostoyevsky's stand in relation to religion and the Church.
From the Paper "Although deeply troubled by his inability to maintain a belief in the conventional forms of Christianity, Dostoyevsky was a deeply spiritual man, and even a deeply religious one. He was committed to what he saw as the essential core of Christian teaching ? that we must love each person equally and fight evil whenever possible by the simple imposition of our goodness in front of it. Friedrich Nietzsche, however, would probably have taken quite a shine to the Grand Inquisitor. He argued in one of his most important works ? Beyond Good and Evil ? that one should entirely reject the teachings of Christianity primarily because they lead one to concentrate upon a next (and in his view fictitious) world rather than addressing oneself to the problems of this world. He again rejected the practice and theology of Christianity in Twilight of the Idols and Genealogy of Morals a number of his later works, in which he argued that the idea of goodness and the idea that the weak are inherently noble as merely tricks played by the Church to control and thus weaken people. Nietzsche sees the force to make people obey certain often unnatural precepts as at the core of almost all socialization processes and human institutions. Religion, believed Nietzsche, teaches us not to think."
The following paper discusses how Socrates set out to define the idea of justice and the just man when he began the conversations archived in Plato's Republic.
Abstract This paper explores Socrates attempt to define the ideal city, hoping within it to discover the form of justice itself. The author takes the reader through critical points in this book and shows us how no Apollonian dedication to the things of the mind, nor virgin dedication to warfare and the ways of the hunt, could truly save Socrates' city from the uprising of its youth.
From the Paper "As part of creating this utopia, he set about to entirely restructure the modern family. He suggested, reasonably, that men and women should be set to the same sorts of work, according to their gifts, being equal in all things save that the men were stronger. To prevent conflict, and continue the owning of all things in common, he spoke of having wives and husbands and children all in common. So that the stock of his city should all be strong and healthy, he suggested a rigged lottery determining who should mate with whom, the outcome determined by genetics and success. The healthy offspring should be raised, the inferior disposed of appropriately."
Abstract This paper compares and discusses Plato's belief that the love of wisdom must be joined with political power if there is to be well being as espoused in his work "The Republic" that was narrated by Socrates and depicts an ideal society called Utopia. The writer analyzes the ideals of this society and attitudes towards various factors - education, happiness and well-being.
From the Paper "Plato wrote "The Republic" sometime around 360 B.C. The narrator of the book is Socrates, who was Plato's teacher and mentor. The core theme of the book is "justice" and creating a "just" society or what came to be known as a Utopia. Central to this core theme are several other key ingredients, including the love of wisdom, political power, and personal well being. Plato begins the book with a search for what justice is, and by the end of the first book, Socrates admits that he still is not sure what is "just.""
Abstract This paper details the different attitudes of these scholars' views on God and religion. St. Thomas Aquinas and Machiavelli represent the two extremes of the understanding of reason and faith. Machiavelli exhibits the influence of the Renaissance on his conception of God and faith in God. The existence of God is unquestionable and need not be proven. Aquinas also believes that the existence is self-evident, but as a Christian scholar Aquinas is obligated to develop a proof for the existence of God.
From the Paper "Machiavelli mentions God in various passages of his writing, but God never represents the central theme of any of his writings. Typical of Machiavelli he manages to incorporate the gods of pagan religions into his writing and his theories. God's focus was justice and mercy. As a Christian, Machiavelli naturally mentions the importance of Jesus Christ. As with other people of the time, Machiavelli prayed to God when difficulties arose with the possibility that his prayers would be answered."
Tags: religion, philosophy, god, politics, realism, The, Prince, faith, Christian
Abstract According to the author, this work is filled with many seemingly tragic yet ironic occurrences. Whenever a character attempts to change fate, this is ironic to an audience who knows that the tragic outcome of the story cannot be avoided. Metaphors are analyzed which deal with eyes, sight and vision as well as distorted perception.
From the Paper "It has been said many times that people have been blinded by the truth. The answer to their question or problem might have been right in front of their eyes all along. Yet, the fail to see the answer. Being blinded by the truth. This irony plays a role in Oedipus Rex. Oedipus while gifted with sight, is blind to himself. The blind may not have physical sight, but they have a different kind of vision that is just as precious. In Oedipus Rex, Teiresias, the blind prophet, presents the truth to King Oedipus and Jocasta. When Oedipus does find the truth, he loses his vision. Because of the truth, Oedipus gains a second vision. In Sophocles tragedy Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is blessed with the gift of perception, yet he cannot see what is right before his eyes. Blinded by the truth, this fleeting view was critical for development of self-awareness and growth of Oedipus."
Abstract This paper shows how both Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche espouse similarly uncompromising, yet completely different, criticism of their respective societies. Both Marx and Nietzsche champion radical thinking and call for extensive changes or a complete reformation of society. The writer examines both of these philosopher's views and compares them to each other.
From the Paper "Marx follows up on Rousseau's emphasis on a society in which individuals have basic responsibilities towards each other, and thus society's role is not only to protect individual freedoms. But Marx dramatically elevates the status these societal responsibilities, thereby completely dismantling individualism. Nietzsche particularly opposes such ideas as Marx's insistence on equality and mutual responsibilities, and, it seems, is less hostile to Locke's state of nature with its emphasis on individual freedom. Marx analyzes the social structure in a lucid and helpful manner, as he raises issues that that must be addressed; however both Marx and Nietzsche, for all their criticism of the existing social order, do not provide a credible ideology on which a better society can be established."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the anti-social potential of Disneyland and Las Vegas in reference to theories of postmodernism, hyper-reality, simulation, aesthetic values, commercialism and mediatization. The pro-social potential is also examined in a critical sense, focusing primarily on issues relating to escapism and gratification as the primary driving forces behind our need for simulation. This paper argues that simulated environments such as Las Vegas and Disneyland are caught up in the use of the facade and masking in an antisocial manner of spectacle.
From the Paper "According to Baudrillard, we are living in an era of simulation; an age in which reality no longer exists, and where "the very definition of the real has become: that of which it is possible to give an equivalent reproduction." (Simulations, 1983) Baudrillard theorizes that through the mirroring of reality, we lose sight of reality. However, as is reflected by our tastes in popular culture, we still yearn for the real, except that we want to be entertained at the same time. Thus the result is that we mimic reality, distort it for entertainment value, and then provide a manifestation of it for public consumption. Nowhere is this conjecture more relevant than in the grandeur of Las Vegas and the opulence of Disneyland."
Tags: baudrillard, disney, disneyland, las, modernism, post, spectacle, vegas, world
Abstract The paper examines Rene Descartes' theory of "Methodological Doubt" which focuses on the certainty of God and human and material existence, and shows how they are some of the most famous passages in philosophy today.
From the Paper "Descartes strived to create a complete philosophy that was free of any contradictions. He began by rejecting all previous doctrines and dogmas laid down by the earlier philosophers. He resolved to begin by doubting everything so that he could come up with a stable basis for his philosophy. The method he created and adopted was methodological doubt. This methodological doubt became known to many to be a pre-requisite of honest thought."
Abstract This paper examines several different interpretations of Nirvana. The author begins with a concise definition of Nirvana, from Sanskrit. It examines different forms of Buddhism and details their individual definitions of Nirvana and what is means to attain this state. The paper then delves into the writings on the subject and analyzes Nirvana and how they relate to the teachings of Buddha. The author tries to determine whether or not Nirvana actually exists in a common form that people can understand and define.
From the Paper "The teaching of the Buddha was a way of liberation. There was no other object than the experience of Nirvana. The Buddha did not try to set forth a consistent philosophical system, attempting to satisfy the intellectual curiosity about ultimate things which expects answers in words. When the Buddha was questioned about the nature of Nirvana, the origin of the world, and the reality of the Self, the Buddha maintained a "noble silence" and stated that such questions were irrelevant and did not lead to the actual experience of liberation. It has been said that it was the inability of the Indian mind to rest content with that silence and the overwhelming urge for abstract metaphysical speculations regarding the nature of reality that led to the later developments of Buddhism, such a Mahayana Buddhism."
This paper reviews the book "Training the Body for China" by Brownell, which presents the practices, objects and activities of Chinese sports and material arts.
Abstract This paper discusses that, unlike Western sports, Chinese sports and martial art are developed based on religious beliefs; in China, sports are based on two native religions, Taoism and Confucianism. The author reviews Susan Brownell's "Training the Body for China" in which she shares her studies of Chinese Olympic sports and martial arts. For example, the author point out that, in sport, Chinese culture employs self-disciplinary actions to deal with misbehavior to sustain order, a value of Confucianism.
From the Paper "One of the beliefs Confucianism values is the importance of family; this notion is also the linkage between Confucianism and the practices Chinese sports. One of ethical lessons Confucianism teaches is Hsiao, which signifies love within family; this notion is also apparent in Chinese sports. According to Brownell, there has been a phenomenon of developing family-funded sports clubs and village-based associations among Chinese. Having family-funded sport clubs consisting family members as players clearly indicates how Confucianism value has become a part of Chinese life and sports."
Abstract A discussion of what is real and what is imaginary. The author conducts this investigation through understanding the ideals of philosophers such as Descartes and Hume. The author examines this topic looking at issues including perception, senses, physical and virtual realities, the immortal soul and the existence of God.
From the Paper "When looking at the world as if it was a croquet game in Alice and wonderland we can argue quite easily that life is a mutable role in the ideology of the philosophers, by looking at several aspects and views of the great philosophers we can see and determine what is reality and what is not. This therefore provides us with the ideal proof that what we believe is real and what we do not believe does not exist.
In the universe we know that there is thought and matter. The paradigm that belies dualism is a single idea; why should reality need to be only one of these aspects. In duality there is the argument that the ideas of the mind, and that the physical world of the matter are both equally real."
Abstract The paper analyzes Aristotle's "Theory of the State". The paper is divided into several areas to summarize Aristotle's views on an Ideal State. The paper discusses the sociopolitical features of the Ideal State; features of a State, including the State as the essence of human society; two forms of the Ideal State, and Aristotle's thought development with respect to this issue; two regime theories in relation to the two forms of the Ideal State and political theory as a realization of human essence.
From the Paper "For Aristotle, types of government are distinguished by the nature of its ruling element?which class of people are in control--and whether they rule for the benefit of the whole or in their own class interest. He thus offers a handy six-fold typology of states: Tyranny is rule by one person in his or her own interest; kingship is rule by one person for the good of the whole
" Oligarchy is rule by the few in their own importance; aristocracy is rule by the few for the good of the whole. Democracy is rule by the many in their own interest; polity is rule by the many for the good of the whole. "
An analysis of the book "Experience and Education" by John Dewey. The paper argues that that education should be based on the child's psychological and physical development, as well as the world outside the schoolroom.
Abstract The book "Experience and Education" developed and nourished ideas that shaped the basis for many of present day's common education practices, such as the performance-based assessment, cooperative and inquiry-based learning, play-oriented preschools, and hands-on science. This paper gives a brief biography of the author, summarizes the ideas presented in the book and discusses the strengths, weaknesses and drawbacks of these ideas.
From the Paper "Published in 1938, the novel "Experience and Education" is perhaps his most brief, clear response to the problems as being perceived by him in both traditional forms of pedagogy as well as in the fundamental reactions to those conservative forms. According to him in the book, these traditional practices have mostly served to reproduce an existing unjust social order."
Abstract This paper analyzes the concept of virtue as presented by Aristotle and how it differs from earlier Greek concept of virtue. The paper describes that Aristotle believed that everything in life serves a purpose and that there is an intimate relationship between virtue and happiness. It compares the works of Homer and Sophocles to illustrate the ancient concept of virtuous man as war hero who wins war for his nation, while for Aristotle a virtuous man leads a simple life.
From the Paper "Aristotle is considered to be the philosopher of philosophers, he virtually wrote about everything, he pioneered most of the disciplines like psychology, biology, meteorology and political science. For almost a thousand years Aristotle's theories were unchallenged such was the impact of his philosophy and thought. The medieval philosophy of Scholastics and early Renaissance thinkers borrowed heavily from Aristotle."
Tags: philosophy, philosopher, aristotelian, homer, sophocles, war, hero, simple, life, ancient, thought
